[Physio Explained] Optimising Osteoarthritis rehab: hip, knee, and beyond with Dr Allison Ezzat
Sep 25, 2024
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Allison Ezzat, a physiotherapist and postdoctoral research fellow at La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, joins to delve into the GLA:D program for osteoarthritis. She shares impressive outcomes from the program, emphasizing its potential to reduce surgical needs. The discussion contrasts in-person and telehealth rehabilitation experiences during the pandemic, highlighting patient satisfaction with both formats. Allison also explores hybrid models in physiotherapy, advocating for a balance of in-person assessments and telehealth flexibility to enhance patient care.
The GLA:D program significantly improves knee osteoarthritis management through structured exercise and education, demonstrating benefits like reduced pain and enhanced quality of life.
The shift to telehealth during the pandemic has increased accessibility to the GLA:D program, showing that remote participation can yield similar positive outcomes as in-person sessions.
Deep dives
Overview of the GLAAD Program
The GLAAD program, which stands for Good Life with Osteoarthritis in Denmark, aims to improve the management of knee osteoarthritis through structured exercise and education. Established by physiotherapist researchers frustrated with the lack of implementation of exercise therapy, the program includes two education sessions and twelve group-based exercise sessions over six weeks. By collecting data from participants before, three months after, and twelve months following the program, it has demonstrated tangible benefits such as enhanced quality of life, reduced pain, and decreased need for joint replacement surgery. This evidence underscores the value of the program across various countries, including Denmark, Canada, and Australia.
Impact of Telehealth on GLAAD Delivery
The transition to telehealth during the pandemic prompted a shift in how the GLAAD program is delivered, allowing for greater accessibility in patient care. Research comparing telehealth to in-person GLAAD shows that patients participating remotely also experience significant benefits, such as reduced pain and improved functionality, similar to those attending in person. However, patient perceptions often vary; while some appreciate the convenience of telehealth, others initially express skepticism about receiving the same value from virtual sessions. The positive outcomes of telehealth have encouraged consideration of hybrid models, combining in-person assessments with online sessions for ongoing support.
Future Directions for GLAAD and Patient Awareness
To improve implementation and patient uptake, there is a need for greater awareness of the GLAAD program among general practitioners and surgeons, particularly regarding its hybrid and online delivery options. Efforts are underway to educate these primary care providers about the program and its benefits, which may enhance patient referrals and acceptance of alternative treatment approaches. Understanding the existing challenges in promoting exercise as a primary treatment in a brief consultation time remains crucial, as many patients express hesitance toward exercise recommendations. Increased connectivity and marketing of the program are essential for its broader acceptance in managing knee osteoarthritis.
In this episode with Dr Allison Ezzat we talk about the GLA:D Program (Good Life With Osteoarthritis Denmark) which is a rehabilitation program for hip and knee Osteoarthritis. We discuss:
GLA:D outcomes for individuals with hip and knee osteoarthritis
Pros and cons of GLA:D delivered in-person vs telehealth
How to assist patients to self-management from the program
How we can market this rehabilitation program better to patients
This episode is closely tied to Allison’s Practical she did with us. With Practicals you can see exactly how top experts assess and treat specific conditions – so you can become a better clinician, faster.
Dr. Allison Ezzat is a physiotherapist and postdoctoral research fellow at La Trobe Sport and Exercise Medicine Research Centre, as well as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Physiotherapy at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Allison has been involved in Good Life with osteoArthritis in Demark (GLA:D) in Canada since 2017 sitting on numerous national leadership committees as well as working clinically with patients who have osteoarthritis both in-person and virtually.
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Our host is Michael Rizk from Physio Network
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